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You can make a custom Nintendo Switch profile icon by redeeming icon elements in Nintendo Switch Online, combining a character, background and frame, then selecting the finished icon from Icon Collection. Redeeming elements requires an internet connection, an active paid Nintendo Switch Online membership and My Nintendo Platinum Points. Nintendo’s US instructions cover Switch 2, Switch, Switch Lite and Switch OLED.
Before you start
- Connect the console to the internet and make sure the user has an active, paid Nintendo Switch Online membership.
- Have My Nintendo Platinum Points available for any elements that cost points. Generic frames and background colors can be used without spending points.
- Update the console if needed: from the HOME Menu, open System Settings → System → System Update.
Some elements have extra conditions. Depending on the item, it may require Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, ownership or recent play of a specific game, or play on at least three separate days during the previous 30 days. Check the element’s displayed details before trying to redeem it. Nintendo’s custom-icon instructions list the applicable conditions.
Redeem icon elements
- From the HOME Menu, open Nintendo Switch Online and select the user who should receive the elements.
- Open Missions & Rewards. Press L or R to browse games and their associated elements.
- Select an available element and choose Redeem. If it costs Platinum Points, confirm the redemption.
Elements come in three types: characters, backgrounds and frames. The selection rotates: Nintendo describes weekly refreshes and monthly themes, so an item shown in a guide or announcement may not be available when you check. See Nintendo’s Missions & Rewards overview for its description of the program.
Create and apply your custom icon
- In Nintendo Switch Online, open Icon Collection with the icon at the top right.
- On the Icons screen, select the plus icon and choose a game, or open Icon Elements, select an element and choose Use to Create Icon.
- Choose either a suggested combination or Create Your Icon, then select the frame, character and background you want.
- Confirm to save the finished icon to your collection.
- Select the saved icon in Icon Collection to set it as that user’s profile icon.
Up to 100 user icons can be stored in Icon Collection. Elements generally combine only with elements from the same game, though generic frames and backgrounds can be used across game sets. If a character element already includes a background, you may not be able to add a separate background.
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#1 Best Overall
- Limited-edition design featuring elements inspired by Mario. Available while supplies last!
- Local co-op*, local wireless*, and online multiplayer**
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
- Wide adjustable stand
- Nintendo Switch is the home of Mario and more family-friendly series!
Where custom icons are stored and applied
Custom icons are associated with the Nintendo Account used to create them and appear on consoles linked to that same account. Elements cannot be shared with another Nintendo Account. Once redeemed, an element remains available even if the Nintendo Switch Online membership later ends; redeeming new elements still requires an active membership.
To apply a custom-made icon, use Nintendo Switch Online on the HOME Menu. It will not appear in the standard icon picker under System Settings or on the User Page. Nintendo’s separate profile settings instructions describe that standard editing flow, which is distinct from the custom icon maker.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Experience the immersive world of the Legend of Zelda: skyward Sword HD, with this set of specially-designed Joy-Con controllers.
- The right Joy-Con controller is themed after the master Sword
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Rank #4
- This Nintendo Switch system takes on a totally fresh look from the new Splatoon 3 game.
Rank #3
- This Nintendo Switch system takes inspiration from Mario, with a bold red design on the Nintendo Switch Console, Joy-Con controllers, and the Nintendo Switch dock.
- A solid blue design is featured on both the Joy-Con grip and Joy-Con wrist straps.
- As a bonus, this Nintendo Switch bundle includes a Mario red & blue Edition carrying case adorned with Super Mario iconography.
Rank #2
- A hardware bundle for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is here! The bundle contains a specially designed dock featuring fighters from the original Super Smash Bros. game, a download code for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Super Smash Bros. themed Joy-Con controllers
- New stages and fighters are joined by the combined rosters of every past Super Smash Bros. game
- Challenge others anytime, anywhere, whether you’re on the couch or on the go
- Play any way you want—locally, online, in TV mode, Tabletop mode, Handheld mode, or even with GameCube Controllers
- Fight faster and smarter with new and returning techniques, like the perfect shield and directional air dodge
If you cannot redeem or use an element
- Redeem is unavailable: Confirm the selected user has an active membership and internet access, and check the item’s point cost and eligibility conditions.
- The item is missing: Browse the current Missions & Rewards selection; offerings refresh, and availability may depend on a game, membership tier or recent play.
- Elements will not combine: Use items from the same game or a generic frame or background. A character with its own background may not accept another background.
- The icon is absent from System Settings: Apply it from Icon Collection in Nintendo Switch Online instead of the standard profile icon picker.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
